Tag: tips

5 Essential Tips For Painting Your Home

By on 26th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

Andy Wiegand, owner of Phoenix Decorating & Design, shares his top interior decorating advice…

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In these times of austerity, many people are opting to do their own decorating, and with Christmas looming, now is the perfect time to get those paint brushes out!

But before you jump straight into it, remember these five tips to achieve a fantastic finish…

1. When Painting Walls, Edges First

When painting walls, remember to do the cutting in first. This requires some patience – and initially you may feel like you aren’t getting very far – but once you get the roller out, you’ll be thankful to have persevered!

Remember to use good quality equipment for this. You won’t get a sharp edge with cheap brushes, and you’ll forever be picking bristles off your wall. Likewise, cheap rollers result in a sloppy, patchy finish.

Always apply at least two coats (three if you’re using a silk paint) and allow plenty of time for each coat to dry.

2. When Painting Gloss, Use Good Brushes

The right equipment is essential. Good quality brushes will help you achieve a streak-free finish. Use a paint guard to avoid getting paint on walls or flooring, and have plenty of baby wipes handy to wipe up any excess paint.

If you’re wary of spillages, are pushed for time, or have children or animals, use a water-based gloss. It’s easy to clean, doesn’t smell, and dries relatively quickly. You may need to apply extra coats, however.

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3. When Painting Doors…

For panelled doors, use brushes to do edges and any pattern, then use a gloss roller to apply paint to the rest of the door. It’s much quicker and avoids all of those nasty brush marks!

Remember not to press too hard with either the brushes or the roller. Use gentle, long strokes to ensure a smooth finish, and keep an eye out for any drips or runs.

4. When Painting Ceilings…

Take as much furniture out of the room as possible, and cover everything else with dust sheets. Tape the edges down with masking tape.

Paint the edges first. Use a step ladder, and do not climb on furniture! If possible, buy an extendable pole to attach to your roller handle. It saves a lot of time and prevents a lot of neck ache!

Paint the ceiling in sections. Use light fittings as reference points in order to ensure full coverage. Alternatively, use ‘magic’ paint (it looks pink but dries white).

5. Look After Your Equipment

You’ll have spent a significant amount of money on good brushes and rollers, so it’s a good idea to look after them so you can use them next time.

When you’ve finished, wash any emulsion or water-based gloss out of your brushes/rollers with warm water. Soak any brushes used for gloss work in white spirit, and then rinse out with soapy water. Alternatively, use ‘clean’ spirit to avoid that strong smell!

Don’t feel confident tackling the interior yourself? You can contact Phoenix Decorating & Design on 07468 232160, or email Andy at phoenixdecorating40@gmail.com.

Visit the website, and keep up to date with news and other tips by following on Facebook.

4 Reasons Your CV Isn’t Working

By on 19th October 2015in Lifestyle, What's New?

Your CV is your marketing tool, and successful marketing is a key part of getting hired…

It’s not uncommon for people to make the same mistakes in their CV over and over again, which means that identifying those mistakes (and fixing them) can put you at a significant advantage over the competition.

So let’s identify them…

1. Poor Grammar

These days, every word processor has a spell check and a grammar check built-in, yet CVs continue to be plagued by spelling mistakes. What does that say to your potential employer?

It suggests a lack of attention to detail, and regardless of the position you’re applying for, that’s a big deal. Your employer wants to know that you take pride in your work, and failing to do something as simple as proof-reading doesn’t exactly send that message.

2. Little Experience

A common complaint among jobseekers is that it’s so hard to get employed without experience, but without being hired for a job in the first place, it’s impossible to get experience.

The truth is, though, that isn’t true. Experience is everywhere! Applying for a retail position? Volunteer in a charity shop. Applying to a film production company? Go out and shoot a film with your mates.

3. Presentation Is… Interesting

We all love WordArt, but sometimes it just isn’t appropriate. CVs are a prime example.

Keep your CV simple and concise. Keep the information on topic, and don’t distract the reader with unnecessary colour or imagery. You should be trying to market yourself as professional and focused, so your CV should appear just like that.

4. It Isn’t 21st Century Friendly

The days of sending your CV through the post, or even going to your prospective employer’s headquarters to submit it in person, are fading fast. These days, the majority of applications are made online.

With this in mind, your CV should sit comfortably in the digital age. Your web and email address should be a hyperlink, allowing for easy contact. Haven’t got a website? Go and create one. An employer’s first order of business will usually be to inspect your digital presence, so make sure it’s a good one.

The Dolls House: Our Autumn/Winter Fashion Tips

By on 19th October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

October can be a tricky month for fashion, but these tips from The Dolls House Fashion Emporium ought to make things a little easier…

Second-guessing the good old British weather is not an easy task when Autumn comes around, but on the plus side, it does provide us with a gorgeous colour palette to work with.

Bang on trend right now is berry, a rich dark maroon which oozes warmth. It’s the colour to be seen in this #AW, meaning there’s no shortage of it on the high street, from suede boots and leather satchels, to strappy sandals and oversized fedoras.

 

So, how can you add berry to your current wardrobe, you ask?

Whether it’s a little or a lot, there’s something for everyone. Have a look online, read a few blogs, and browse boards on Pinterest for outfits and style inspiration. You’ll be full of ideas! New colour and you’re not quite sure? Try a dark nail varnish or a slick of berry lippy to update your style.

If you fancy a new makeup look to match your new autumn outfit, check out Youtube for some seasonal beauty tutorials. These vloggers try out everything from shop own brands like No.7 to high end must-haves like Mac and Charlotte Tilbury. Be warned, though. Youtube is addictive!

If you’re planning cocktails with the girls or a meal out with the other half, take a look at the new arrivals landing at The Dolls House Fashion Emporium, where you’ll find an array of Autumn/Winter essentials, including the Brooklyn Berry Shirt Dress and Scarlett, a fitted cut out jumpsuit.

 

Brooklyn is a perfect day to night outfit, offering a versatile option when it comes to chilly days by either teaming with tights and boots, or throwing on heels and a leather jacket.

Scarlett offers a glamorous but trendy option for your night out. True to size, this cut out berry jumpsuit gives the wow factor when styled with strappy heels and a clutch.

If buying a new on-trend outfit isn’t exciting enough, wait until you hear about the Dress Exchange. New to The Dolls House, the dress exchange allows you to buy a dress, wear it out, then return it and receive up to 50% off your next purchase! You never have to be seen in the same dress twice, and you can look fab this weekend and next, without spending a fortune… it’s genius!

Looking for more great fashion, info and competitions? Check out The Dolls House website, and make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram! Got something to ask? Email hello@thedollshouseuk.co.uk.

5 Essential Tips For Healthy Eating

By on 12th October 2015in Food & Drink, Lifestyle, What's New?

When it comes to health and beauty, the old cliché is true: you are what you eat.

Developing a lifestyle and diet that encourages fitness is crucial to long term health and wellness, but breaking old habits can be challenging. To make a lasting change to your lifestyle, try following these five simple tips.

 

1. Eat More Vegetables

Let’s start off with a really obvious one, but for a less obvious reason.

Vegetables are always recommended because they’re healthy, but they’re also really great at keeping you full. If you’re feeling satiated, you won’t be reaching for snacks. You might want to add a few oils and sauces for flavour, but remember that the best diet is one filled with steamed and fresh veg… without artificial flavouring.

2. Don’t Overdo It On The Fruit

Nobody’s going to argue that fruit is another great addition to a healthy diet, but it’s easy to have too much. Fruit provide a good amount of natural sugar and fibre, but too much can push your carbohydrate intake through the roof.

Instead, stick to your five a day, and pair it with a few almonds, unsalted nuts, or viable source of lean protein.

3. Throw Protein Into The Mix

If your diet is leaving you feeling hungry, and you’re becoming prone to trips to the fridge, there’s a good chance that your diet is protein deficient.

Protein promotes increased satiety, and a serving of lean protein on the side of your meal can have you feeling full for much longer.

4. Avoid Protein Bars

This might seem to contradict the previous point, but beware of the protein bar that promises increased nutrition. A quick look at the ingredients will show you that most protein bars are packed full of preservatives, saturated fats, and simple carbohydrates (rather than the complex carbohydrates your body really needs).

A few bars here and there won’t hurt, but don’t make them a cornerstone of your diet.

5. Drink More Water

This final tip is another obvious one, yet goes completely ignored by so many people. Water is an essential fuel for the body, and is an essential part of any diet.

A glass of water before each meal can aid the digestive process and keep you from overeating. And besides, it helps to keep the skin young and hydrated, and who doesn’t want that?

5 Things To Look For At Antique Fairs

By on 9th October 2015in Lifestyle, What's New?

Antique fairs, car-boot sales, charity shops… you never know what you might find.

There are the bargains and the retro gems, and the cheap and the kitsch. Whatever may be hiding out there, here are five items to keep your eye out for…

 

1. Old Glass

Old glass is a lot more valuable (and interesting) than you might think. Pre-World War Two glass is particularly sought after, and items from 1700-1800 can be worth a small fortune.

The market value of glass fluctuates, but keep your eyes peeled for maker’s marks and stamps to indicate era and origin.

2. Furniture

Furniture that looks old and used might be unattractive to some, but it’s always worth a closer look. The patina of time and grime could be an indication of quality and value.

You see, a piece manufactured by a famous maker that has been reupholstered or refurbished is actually (in most cases) worth less than one that has beeb left in its original condition. The good news, though, is that this means the real gems often go unnoticed…

3. Branded Jewellery

Veteran antiquers have likely seen somebody sell what they thought was a piece of costume jewellery for pennies, only to find that the piece in fact genuine and worth far more. It isn’t uncommon.

Don’t dismiss trinkets with low price tags, and always inspect the maker’s mark. You never know what its true value might be.

 

4. Cameras

There’s no denying the revival that analogue photography has enjoyed over the last few years, and sadly antique camera prices have sky-rocketed since. There are still deals to be found, though.

Always inspect old cameras thoroughly. Mechanisms wear out and break over time, and it’s not unusual to invest more than you planned for on a costly refurbishment.

5. Oddities

There are collectors for everything, and particularly for strange or unusual items. Nothing looks finer above a mantlepiece than one-of-a-kind pottery or unreleased film posters.

Look out for pieces with connections to famous or well-known figures. Collectors will pay top money for top provenance.

4 Things To Consider Before Starting A Business

By on 2nd October 2015in Lifestyle, Local Biz, What's New?

The North East business sector is a thriving landscape at the moment. We’ve all got big ideas and bigger ambition, but starting your own business isn’t always easy. It can be extremely challenging, but also very rewarding.

So before you set up shop, here are four things to consider…

 

1. Are You Financially Secure?

Things don’t always pan out as intended, and a Plan B is nothing less than a necessity. What happens if things go wrong? Do you have something to fall back on? Are you putting all your eggs in one basket?

If it’s possible to do so, consider setting up your business while you’re still employed. If things take off, then consider moving over to it full-time.

2. Are You Doing Something You Love?

Owning a business isn’t your usual 9 to 5 job. You’ll be putting in hours of work and incredible amounts of energy, so it had better be something you’re passionate about. If it isn’t, then don’t be surprised when your motivation begins to dwindle.

Devote your efforts to something you really care about.

3. Do You Have A Business Plan?

Diving headfirst into a new business unprepared is one of the worst things you could do, but that doesn’t stop people doing it. You probably wouldn’t be surprised by what happens to most businesses that opt for such a strategy.

You don’t need an enormous 200 page business plan to begin with, but you do need a defined direction and strong idea of where you want to be in a year’s time. Focus on the basics, set yourself clear targets, and make sure you achieve them on a time scale that works for you.

4. Is There A Market For Your Product?

Before you even think about spending money on supplies, staff, premises, or anything at all, you need to think really hard about what the chances are of your business being successful. Who are your customers? Who are your competitors? Does anybody out there really want what you’re selling?

Do yourself a favour and investigate the market. Browse the internet, social media, and see what people are talking about. You may well have identified a gap in the market, but maybe the gap is there for a reason.

Have you launched your own business? Are you thinking about it? Leave a comment below!

5 Things To Know Before Going To University

By on 2nd October 2015in Lifestyle, What's New?

Starting university is a bittersweet time.

On the one hand, there’s the coming-of-age and the independence, but on the other hand… do you really know what you’re doing?

 

Before you leave home, check out these five essential tips. They’re guaranteed to come in handy!

1. Learn To Manage Your Money… Fast.

When you’re out there on your own for the first time, the pennies don’t always stretch as far as you thought they would. Toilet paper gets expensive, you know?

Plan a budget and stick to it. If you’re sensible, you’ll be able to save enough to get by and have fun.

2. Learn To Love Doing Laundry

If you’ve never left home before, you might never have wondered how your clothes appear fresh and folded in your wardrobe on a regular basis, seemingly of their own accord. The thing is, they don’t always do that when you’re at university.

Become a student of the process. Nobody likes sharing a room with somebody who wears the same t-short for a week at a time.

3. Hate The Snooze Button

The snooze button is not your friend. It is your enemy. Don’t give in to the temptation.

Seriously, it isn’t easy to wake up at 8am when you didn’t get home from the pub until 3am, but it’s a skill that can be learned. The first step is learning to hate the snooze button, followed by remembering to keep a stack of energy drinks by the door.

 

4. Find The Work/Play Balance

Uni is an important time in any person’s life, and not only for the education. It’s the perfect time for a bit of self-discovery, so no student should avoid indulging in the nightlife and socialising.

But don’t let it take priority over everything else. Find the balance between having fun and getting things done. You’ll thank yourself come graduation.

5. A Far-Off Deadline Is Easily Forgotten

It’s not unusual to be given an assignment that isn’t due in for weeks or months, which is typically cause for great jubilation. However…

It’s not hard to tell yourself you’ll ‘get round to it’, but we all know that doesn’t always happen. Procrastinating turns into forgetting, and forgetting turns into failing. Keep track of your work, schedule what needs to be done, and keep on top of it.

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